Let me save you 100 hours of research.
Because here’s the truth about Godin guitars:
They’re the best guitars nobody’s talking about.
Why?
Because they’re too busy making incredible instruments to brag about them.
And that’s exactly why you need to know about them.
The Short Version – Best Godin Guitars
These are the best Godin guitars for every type of player:
- Best Overall: 5th Ave TL Gold Foil VB. It’s like having a $5000 vintage guitar without the vintage headaches.
- Best Classical: Multiac Nylon Encore Natural. No more feedback nightmares on stage.
- Best Value: G-Tour Nylon Matte Black EQ. Premium features. Mid-range price.
- Best Jazz: 5th Ave CW Kingpin II HB. Jazz tones that’ll make you cry.
- Best Folk: Motif Classic. Small guitar. Huge sound.
- Best Rock: Stadium HT Havana Brown. Think Telecaster, but better.
But here’s what you really need to know…
Why Listen to Me?
I’ve owned 3 Godins. Played 20+ models. Gigged with them for 15 years.
I was a skeptic too.
Until I actually played one.
Now let’s break down each guitar.
Godin 5th Ave TL Gold Foil VB – The Crown Jewel
Ever wonder what happens when vintage mojo meets modern craftsmanship? Well, this guitar is your answer. The 5th Ave TL Gold Foil VB is honestly what would happen if a 1950s archtop and a modern boutique guitar had a baby.
What makes it special:
- Canadian wild cherry body that provides incredible resonance
- Those gorgeous Lollar Gold Foil pickups that sound like nothing else out there
- Impeccable build quality with that stunning Vintage Burst finish
The moment I picked this one up, I knew it was something special. The ebony fingerboard feels silky smooth, and those Gold Foil pickups… man, they’re like having a time machine in your hands. They go from warm jazz tones to gritty blues with just a twist of the volume knob.
Price Point: High-end ($$$) Best For: Professional players and serious enthusiasts who want a versatile archtop
You may also like: Best D’Angelico Guitars
Godin Motif Classic – Small But Mighty
This little parlor guitar is like that friend who’s not the tallest in the room but somehow has the biggest personality. The Motif Classic proves that good things really do come in small packages.
Key Features:
- Solid cedar top for warm, rich acoustics
- 3/4 size makes it perfect for travel or smaller players
- Fishman Classic II electronics that actually sound natural (finally!)
The combination of solid cedar top and Canadian wild cherry back and sides creates this surprisingly full sound that you wouldn’t expect from a parlor guitar. IMO, it’s the perfect couch guitar that can also hold its own on stage.
Price Point: Mid-range ($$) Best For: Folk musicians and anyone looking for a premium travel guitar
Godin Multiac Nylon Encore Natural – The Hybrid Master
If a classical guitar went to engineering school, this would be the result. The Multiac Nylon Encore is what happens when traditional nylon-string design meets modern innovation.
Standout Features:
- Solid cedar top paired with maple body for unique tonal characteristics
- Custom Godin Dual Source System that actually makes a nylon string guitar sound natural amplified
- Amazing neck profile that feels comfortable for both classical and steel-string players
Having played this in both classical and modern settings, I can tell you it’s a chameleon. It can handle traditional classical pieces with grace but won’t flinch when you throw some modern techniques at it.
Price Point: High-mid range ($$$) Best For: Classical guitarists who need amplification and versatility
Godin 5th Ave CW Kingpin II HB – The Jazz Box
Jazz players, listen up! This is the guitar you’ve been dreaming about but didn’t know existed. The Kingpin II HB is like having a vintage archtop without the vintage price tag or maintenance headaches.
Notable Features:
- Canadian wild cherry construction for incredible acoustic properties
- Custom Godin humbuckers that capture that warm jazz tone perfectly
- Excellent hardware including a Graphtech adjustable Tusq bridge
What really sets this guitar apart is how it balances acoustic and electric tones. Unplugged, it’s warm and resonant. Plug it in, and those custom humbuckers deliver everything from mellow jazz to punchy blues.
Price Point: Mid-high range ($$$) Best For: Jazz enthusiasts and players needing a versatile archtop
Godin G-Tour Nylon Matte Black EQ – The Value Champion
Here’s a guitar that makes you question everything you know about price-to-quality ratios. The G-Tour Nylon is proof that you don’t need to sell a kidney to get a professional-grade instrument.
Highlights:
- Solid cedar top with maple body for excellent projection
- EPM Q-Discrete pickup system that actually sounds good
- Sleek matte black finish that looks way more expensive than it is
The narrow nut width makes this an excellent choice for steel-string players looking to explore the nylon-string world without feeling lost on a wide classical neck.
Price Point: Mid-range ($$) Best For: Players wanting a quality nylon-string guitar without breaking the bank
Godin Stadium HT Havana Brown – The Rock Machine
Last but definitely not least, we’ve got the Stadium HT. Think of it as Canada’s answer to the classic T-style guitar, but with some serious upgrades under the hood.
Key Features:
- Canadian Lime body with maple neck for snappy response
- Combination of GS-3 and Custom Cajun single-coils for unique tones
- Beautiful Havana Brown finish that turns heads
The mix of traditional design with modern appointments makes this guitar a secret weapon for rock and blues players. Those pickups offer everything from spanky clean tones to growling overdrive.
Price Point: Mid-range ($$) Best For: Rock and blues players looking for something different
My Ratings & Personal Experience 🎸
After years of playing, gigging, and obsessing over Godin guitars, here’s the deal: they’re criminally underrated.
Seriously, it feels like a secret club that no one talks about, but once you’re in, you don’t leave. I’ve owned three Godins, played over 20, and here’s how I rate the ones you need to know about:
- 5th Ave TL Gold Foil VB: 10/10 – This one feels like a $5,000 boutique jazz box but without the headache of vintage upkeep. The Gold Foil pickups are magic—gritty, warm, and vintagey without being muddy.
- Multiac Nylon Encore: 9/10 – The amplified nylon sound we’ve all been waiting for. No awkward, harsh tones. Just warm, smooth goodness for live performances.
- G-Tour Nylon: 8.5/10 – Honestly, for the price, this one punches way above its weight class. Great for anyone dabbling in nylon tones or steel-string players making the jump.
- 5th Ave CW Kingpin II HB: 9.5/10 – This is the archtop for jazz lovers who don’t want to sell their soul to get a vintage one. Amazing unplugged tone and custom humbuckers that cry when you want them to.
- Stadium HT: 9/10 – Think Telecaster, but with some serious personality. The GS-3 pickups give you twang, grit, and everything in between.
BTW, if you want to see these bad boys in action, hit up my YouTube channels: Strefa Gitar and Best Guitars Now. You’re welcome. 😊
Why Godin Guitars Deserve More Attention
Let’s get real for a second—Godin guitars are like that underrated band your friend won’t stop raving about. At first, you’re skeptical, then you listen, and suddenly, you’re hooked. Godin isn’t flashy.
They don’t flood your Instagram feed with ads, and you won’t see guitar celebs flaunting them at award shows. But maybe that’s why they’re so good—they’re too busy making killer guitars to brag about them.
Founded in Canada (yes, the land of polite people and great maple syrup), Godin is a family-owned company that builds their guitars with care. They use sustainably sourced woods like Canadian wild cherry, cedar, and maple—so you’re not just getting a great guitar; you’re supporting environmentally responsible craftsmanship. How cool is that?
Unlike the big names (cough Fender and Gibson), Godin focuses on innovation without breaking the bank. Their Multiac series, for example, is a total game-changer for live performers who need feedback-free, natural-sounding nylon tones.
Meanwhile, the 5th Ave series blends vintage design with modern reliability. It’s like owning a vintage guitar, minus the expensive repairs and constant worrying.
Another thing? Godin guitars don’t depreciate like most brands. They hold their value well, and since the secret’s slowly getting out, you’re not just investing in a great guitar—you’re investing in future bragging rights. Trust me, five years from now, everyone will know the name Godin, and you’ll be the person who saw it coming. 😊
FAQ That Actually Matters
„Are they really worth the money?” Try one. You’ll wonder why they don’t charge more.
„Why don’t more stores stock them?” Because they’re too busy selling what everyone knows. Not what’s actually better.
„Are they good for beginners?” If you can afford it, yes. You won’t outgrow it. Ever.
„How do they compare to Gibson/Fender?” Better build quality. More innovation. Less marketing budget.
„Do they hold value?” They don’t appreciate like vintage Gibsons. But they don’t depreciate like most guitars either.
Bottom Line
Godin makes incredible guitars.
For less than they should.
Without bragging about it.
That’s rare.
And that’s exactly why you should try one.
Because in 5 years…
Everyone will know about them.
And you’ll wish you bought one sooner.
The choice is yours.
Choose wisely.
